A QUESTION OR TWO FOR YOU: Darren Boyd’s meeting with Sammy the Fiddle had gone well enough—a bevy of drinks and almost some laughs before they’d gotten down to discussing business. Boyd was thinking back on that now, and the corner of his lip curled into what hinted at a smile, but it wasn’t. The curl in his lip was just a standard feature of his weathered face these days—the slight curl was where he’d normally keep his cigarette. But he was out, and Innisfree doesn’t carry his brand. And he couldn’t leave—the Fiddle had slipped Boyd a piece of paper that read 8:30 p.m., Innisfree, Trivia with Reed, (205) 252-4255. Reed’s deed will show you what you need. He hadn’t been playing, though the game was free. Boyd was waiting for an opportunity to approach Reed, but didn’t find one before the game ended. “And the winner of tonight’s game and a $150 in bar cash is a newcomer,” Reed said. “So everyone please give this team a big round of applause—Reed’s Deed. Winners are strongly advised to collect their prizes now—just tell the bartender where you placed.” Boyd took this as a hint, and stepped to the bar and ordered an Irish whiskey instead of a scotch – it was, after all, an Irish pub – and told the bartender his team came in first. The bartender poured a shot of Jameson and slid a gift certificate across the bar. The front stated the prize was valid for a week. Boyd flipped the card over, where there were was some handwriting. Perhaps you should consider lighting the kinara this year. -Fiddle. Boyd slammed back the Jameson and walked out to his Impala.
